The Myth of Doing More: Lessons from Messi and Steve Nash on Focused Development
In youth sports today, there’s a common belief that more is better: more games, more teams, more trainers. Parents and young athletes often think that by constantly being on the move—playing for multiple clubs, seeking out as many games as possible, and working with different trainers—they’ll accelerate their development. But let’s pause for a moment and think about two of the greatest athletes in their sports: Lionel Messi and Steve Nash. Could you imagine either of them following this approach?
It’s hard to picture Messi or Nash traveling from city to city, bouncing between different teams and trainers, and playing every possible game in search of improvement. That’s not how true talent develops, and it’s a lesson that parents and young athletes need to understand.
Consistency and Focus Lead to Greatness
What made players like Messi and Nash special was their ability to focus and trust the process of their development. They stayed loyal to the systems and environments that nurtured their growth. Messi spent his formative years at FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where he was given consistent, top-tier coaching in a structured environment. Nash, similarly, worked within a focused framework, trusting his coaches and sticking to a steady plan rather than constantly seeking new trainers or teams.
These athletes weren’t chasing more—they were chasing better. They didn’t need to hop from one club to another or seek out endless games to prove their abilities. Instead, they focused on mastering their craft through deliberate practice and consistent training. They understood that excellence comes from a steady, long-term commitment, not from overloading their schedules with games or jumping from one system to the next.
The Downside of Chasing “More”
When young athletes constantly shift between clubs, leagues, and trainers, they lose the consistency that’s critical for long-term development. Playing for multiple teams often means learning different systems and strategies, which can cause confusion and prevent players from fully mastering the fundamentals of their game. It also dilutes the valuable relationships athletes can build with their coaches and teammates—relationships that help guide them through their growth.
Moreover, constantly playing in games leaves little room for focused practice. In a game, players are often reacting to the moment, relying on the skills they already have rather than working on the areas where they need to improve. Real growth happens in the gym, in training sessions where there’s time to break down technique, analyze mistakes, and build new skills in a controlled environment.
The Power of Trusting the Process
If Messi or Nash had spent their youth years hopping from team to team and trainer to trainer, it’s hard to imagine they would have reached the heights they did. Their success came from staying focused, trusting their coaches, and committing to a long-term process. They weren’t in a rush to be great—they were in it for the journey, and they trusted that the right environment would get them where they wanted to go.
For young athletes today, the same principle applies. More games and more teams won’t make you better if you’re not taking the time to develop the skills you need in a structured, consistent environment. The key is finding a club and coach you trust, committing to the process, and letting your talent develop over time.
Final Thoughts
Parents often feel the pressure to do more for their kids—more games, more trainers, more exposure. But as we see in the examples of Lionel Messi and Steve Nash, greatness doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from doing the right things, consistently, over time.
So, before you sign up for another team or seek out another trainer, remember that talent develops through focus, consistency, and trusting the process—not by chasing the next opportunity. Let your child settle into an environment where they can truly grow, and watch how their talent flourishes.
Pasha Bains
Founder, Drive Basketball